Your Options for Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Although they are sometimes referred to colloquially as “test-tube babies”, babies conceived through assisted reproductive technologies really have nothing to do with test-tubes. These technologies actually fall into two categories: intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) and can be very beneficial for individuals or couples struggling to conceive.

Intrauterine Insemination

IUI is a fertility method used by couples to enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy when the male partner’s sperm count is lower than average or when his sperm has demonstrated decreased mobility. This method is also favored by women who are hoping to conceive and who do not have male partners, and will use sperm obtained from a sperm bank instead.

With this procedure, the semen is processed through a “washing” step in order to eliminate any impurities and leave only what is useful for the conception. Essentially, this process offers your odds of conception a boost. The IUI success rate for women unassisted by fertility-enhancing drugs is approximately 5 percent, while the success rate for women who are taking these drugs is between 7 and 16 percent.

Due of its low cost in relation to IVF and its less invasive nature, IUI is a great first step for individuals looking to conceive a child through assisted reproductive technologies. However, it is not recommended for women who have conditions such as a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis that may make it difficult for them to get pregnant.

In Vitro Fertilization

When IUI is not a viable option, individuals will often resort to IVF treatment. This option may be used when a woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked, damaged, or have previously been removed, when a man’s fertility is reduced or a variety of other factors.

IVF includes a series of procedures in which an egg is fertilized with sperm outside the body before it is implanted within a womb. Sometimes eggs are harvested from the woman who subsequently carries the pregnancy, but sometimes the eggs are obtained through an egg donation procedure.

The success rates with IVF are correlated with the age of the recipient. The conception rate per cycle is 41 to 43 percent for women beneath the age of 35, 33 to 36 percent for women between 35 and 37, and 23 to 27 percent for women between 38 and 40.

Whatever method of assisted reproductive technology you choose, we are here to guide you through it. At Simple Donations, we provide the one-on-one attention you deserve to make your journey to parenthood a positive experience. To learn more about us, visit us online today.